Glaswegians rage over taxis demanding cash only as customers turned away at ranks

Fahad Tariq
·2-min read
Some taxis in the city reportedly have 'cash only' signs on their vehicles.
Some taxis in the city reportedly have 'cash only' signs on their vehicles. -Credit:Getty


Glaswegians are up in arms after some black cab drivers told them "don't bother getting in if you don't have cash" as card payments are refused.

It is understood some drivers have plastered 'cash only' signs on their vehicles ahead of picking up passengers which has left those wishing to grab a lift furious that they are not allowed to pay by card in 2024.

Customers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their dismay with some tagging Glasgow Taxis Limited with concerns.

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However, the popular firm who operate around half of the cabs in Glasgow, told how refusing card payments for customers goes against their company policy.

They are aware of 'sole traders' across the city who will not accept card payments but say that is 'out of our control'.

One person said: "Glasgow taxi rank situation is weird at the moment. Wait for ages in the queue only for five people who were behind you to effectively jump it because 5 black hacks in a row only take cash.

"Thanks to the driver who finally took card but in 2024 that's a shambles."

Another wrote: "@glasgow_taxis... row of drivers only wanting cash at Buchanan bus station. What is that all about?

A third added: "No fewer than 8 Glasgow taxis refused my custom tonight because I don’t have cash. Then I went for chips in Blue Lagoon and watched the staff tell the couple before me that Britain stopped using paper money 3 years ago."

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A fourth customer - defending Glasgow Taxis Limited - wrote: "The cash only drivers are the 'non-radio' drivers who are not affiliated with Glasgow Taxis and instead, operate completely independently.

"The meter should be used for journeys within the city boundary and for those out with, the fare agreed prior to setting off."

A spokesperson for Glasgow Taxis Limited explained: "Glasgow Taxis Limited operates around half of the cabs in Glasgow. All of our cabs are provided with card payment terminals and it is considered a breach of company policy to decline any card payments.

"This is something that we treat extremely seriously and have invested heavily in advertising this service. We have also recently engaged the services of a ‘mystery shopper’ to ensure our standards are being maintained. The feedback from this exercise was extremely positive.

"The remaining half of the city’s black cabs have no connection to Glasgow Taxis Limited at all. They are generally sole traders and I am aware that many will not accept card payments., but we have no control over this.

"Glasgow Taxis Limited feel that card payment facilities should be a mandatory licensing requirement and have asked Glasgow City Council to consider this."

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